Kaesler 2001 Old Bastard Shiraz

Bottled only one month ago, this is the first review published on this wine and I would like to thank Reid Bosward for allowing me to try it. A lifted perfumed nose of great complexity (that was not inky black) showing rose petals was quite a surprise considering the inky black colour of the wine.

On the palate the first thing immediately noticeable is the “slippery” mouth feel which is created by the ultra smooth ever so slightly dusty tannins and pure deep fruit with refreshing acid. It's intensely flavoured without being over extracted and although there is a slight amount of char, the fruit flavours of liquorice, aniseed, chocolate etc sucks up the char and finishes with great intensity and length. This is only of full-bodied rich wine with a layered seamless structure and is stunningly seductive and silky. Rated as Excellent it should peak around 2005. It's not cheap at $120 but is a wine worth experiencing, especially if money is no object.

Copyright © Ric Einstein 2003